Janus

Ianos (Janus) is a God of beginnings and ends; and with that duality, which was sprung when the Celestial Demiurge’s Word (Logoi) of creation was spoken. His association with beginnings and ends goes further, as He also presides over every entry and exit, as well as doors and gateways. He is also a God of conflict and resolution; as well as births and transitions. He is the gatekeeper of Olympus, and as the sentry, He permits the prayers of mortals to enter and be received by the Gods. It is, for this reason, why He is invoked at the beginning and end of all prayers and sacred rituals.

Janus’ iconography reflects his tied nature to duality, being commonly depicted as a God who bears two faces. He is also associated with keys and staffs. It is said that he serves as the namesake for the month January, the first month of the year which is sacred to Him, though ancient sources also claim Juno (Hera) is the basis of it.

Worship

With all the association of beginnings and ends, and thus duality, Janus can be understood as a gateway deity; a deity that can be invoked at the beginning of every ritual, no matter who the ritual is dedicated to.

As a God of beginnings, He is to be invoked at:

January 1st, the beginning of the new year: This day was consecrated to Janus since it was the first of the new year and of the month (Kalends) of Janus

Agonalia, celebrated January 9th, March 17th, May 22nd and December 11th, this is where the rex sacrorum would make the sacrifice of a ram to Janus.

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HELLENIC FAITH

Hellenic Faith is a website dedicated to Julian Hellenism, a reformed denomination of Hellenism, the polytheistic religion of the Graeco-Roman world, influenced by the teachings and writings of Julian the Philosopher (r. 361-363 ACE) and the divine Iamblichus (c. 245-325 ACE).

This website is under constant construction. It is expected to be completed by (at the very least) the year 2021 ACE. Everything on this website is subject to change. Many articles are incomplete, and those which do seem complete may be subject to complete revision.